Nonimmigrant Visas

Welcome to the Nonimmigrant Visa Unit Homepage!

Thank you for your interest in traveling to the United States. We hope that this website makes it easier for you to select and apply for the proper nonimmigrant visa.

The type of nonimmigrant visa you will need and the requirements to apply for that visa depend largely on your purpose of travel to the United States.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

ATTENTION: PRIORITY INTERVIEW PROGRAM COMPANIES

Beginning Monday, January 12, 2015, we will be turning away any applicants from Priority Interviewing Program (PIP) companies who have not made appointments through the dedicated PIP channels. Employees of PIP companies have access to expedited visa appointments for their employees as well as a dedicated line of communication for any inquiries or problems. In order to run an efficient program for all our clients, we require that all employees of PIP companies apply using the specially designated PIP appointments.

Do make sure the guarantee letter notes the company you will be visiting (whether that is company headquarters or a client) as well as the expected length of your employee’s stay in the United States.

Remember, only employees of PIP companies who are going on OFFICIAL COMPANY business are eligible to use the program.

Please make sure the Specimen Signature page on file with the Embassy is up to date.

(Updated on January 9, 2015)

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CONSULAR FEE CHANGES EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 12, 2014

The Department of State published an interim final rule (IFR) in the Federal Register on August 28, 2014 announcing fee changes for certain nonimmigrant visa (NIV) applications, immigrant visa (IV) applications, administrative and citizens’ services. The new fees will become effective 15 days after the rule was published, on September 12, 2014.

For nonimmigrant visas, the new machine-readable visa (MRV) fee for Treaty Trader (E-1), Treaty Investor (E-2), and their qualified dependents will be $205. E-1 and E-2 applicants paying the fee on or after September 12, 2014 must pay the fees in effect at that time. No refunds will be available to persons who paid prior to the effective date of the new fees. All fees are valid for the usual one calendar year from the date of payment. Apart from this change in fee, the procedures for E-1 and E-2 visa applications remain the same. Please visit http://manila.usembassy.gov/e1-e2visas.html for more information. Additional information on changes on visa fees may be found on the Department of State’s website.

The Department of State sets and collects its fees based on the concept of full cost recovery, and the interim final rule amends the Schedule of Fees for consular services. These amendments to the Schedule are based on the Department’s most recent review of current consular fees, completed in August 2013. Visa fees were last adjusted in April 2012.

A 60-day comment period commenced as of the date of publication of the IFR in the Federal Register, and those wishing to comment on this fee change may submit their comments directly to the Department of State using the procedures described below. The Department may, after the 60 days have expired, alter one or more of the fee changes, depending on its analysis of the comments received. At that time, the Department will publish a final rule after all comments are reviewed and addressed.

Persons with access to the Internet may view the notice and submit comments by going to http://www.regulations.gov and searching for the rule by its Regulatory Information Number (RIN), 1400-AD47. To submit comments by mail (paper, disk, or CD-ROM), send them to U.S. Department of State, Office of the Comptroller, Bureau of Consular Affairs (CA/C), SA-17 8th Floor, Washington, DC 20522-1707. To submit comments via e-mail, send them to fees@state.gov. You must include the RIN (1400-AD47) in the subject line of your message.

(Updated on September 2, 2014)

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There has been no change in US visa policy for Philippine citizens wishing to travel to the United States. The Philippines has not been added to the list of countries eligible for participation in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). If there are any changes regarding VWP-participant countries, the information will be reflected on this website.

The Embassy’s call center numbers for information and appointment scheduling are: (02) 976-8500 to 02.For calls from mainland or continental United States, dial (703) 520-2235. The call center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Manila time, Monday through Friday.

Applicants who bring such devices will be denied entry and will be requested to book a new interview appointment.

Please make arrangements to leave your electronic equipment in a safe location off Embassy grounds BEFORE your interview appointment. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your cooperation.

Applying for a US Nonimmigrant Visa

Visit the NIV Blog

USEFUL TRAVEL INFORMATION

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables nationals of 36 participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. To know more about VWP and to know which countries participate in this program, click here.

A valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval is required for citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries to travel to the United States. ESTA is an automated system used to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the VWP. Click the image on the left or go here to complete and submit ESTA applications online.

APEC Meetings in the U.S.

If you intend to travel to the United States as a participant in an APEC meeting, please visit this page for answers to frequently asked questions regarding this purpose of trip.

Legal Rights For Workers in the United States

The William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (WWTVPA) came into effect in December 2008. The Act requires that an individual applying for an employment-based nonimmigrant visa is made aware of his or her legal rights under federal immigration, labor, and employment laws. This includes information on the illegality of slavery, peonage, trafficking in persons, sexual assault, extortion, blackmail, and worker exploitation in the United States. Please read the pamphlet in English or in Tagalog prior to your visa interview. You will be asked if you have received, read, and understood its contents.